4th of July is undoubtedly one of the most important days on any American’s calendar. It’s not just a day for BBQ’s, colorful parades and vibrant fireworks, but also an occasion of reminiscing on American history. But how can you instill patriotism in children who have yet to discover the value of freedom. Well since this day is a celebration of both patriotism and freedom, it is the ideal opportunity for parents to explain 4th of July meaning for kids of all ages. So round up your children and teach them about the basic concepts of this great nation.

A lot of times parents feel that teaching American history and patriotism is the school’s and teacher's responsibility. However, in reality a lesson taught lovingly by a parent stays imprinted in the child’s mind forever. So talk to your teens about the importance of patriotism, especially in these turbulent times when the nation is upholding democratic values on so many fronts. Also explain the significance of freedom and history of the 4th of July to the younger ones who have yet to learn how precious freedom is.

Here are a few interesting ways of talking to children about these concepts:

• To begin with, prepare children for 4th of July by having dinner table discussions about this glorious day well before it actually arrives. Family discussions about this day will generate more interest and have lasting recall.
• Don’t just limit the participation in such discussions with kids of a certain age, engage everyone in the conversation and encourage them to share what knowledge they have on this topic.
• Point out things which children of all ages can relate to, such as the American flag, explain the concept and what the colors represent. Even teens will be interested to hear about things like these since it is easy to forget a boring history lecture in class, but coming from a parent it could be much more interesting.
• Ask the children if they know and understand the national anthem. If you can play it for them and explain the ideology and concepts.  While you are at it you might also want to teach them classics like “the Star-Spangled banner”. Children often hear these songs and see them being performed by celebrated performers on significant occasions, but don’t really know what these renditions mean and stand for.
• Take the children to the nearest museum on national history and show them artifacts and souvenirs of historical importance.
• Get involved as a family, in any kind of community activity that is focused around 4th of July . Teach patriotism by example and not by words alone. 
• Encourage your children to show respect for those who are serving the country selflessly, like the thousands of American soldiers deployed abroad, policemen manning the streets, park rangers and other such professionals.
• This is also a great occasion for you to whet your children’s interest in civic duties and the political system of America. Talk to them about the balance between basic civil rights and a citizen's responsibility towards the state.

And in the end, talk to your children about how other countries are dominated by their own ethnic groups, but how America is the cultural melting pot of so many ethnic groups and cultures. It is the greatness of this glorious nation that everyone is treated equally in spite of their origins and everyone is free to dream their own “ American Dream”.